The Second Way

There is a way

to look at the crisis,

and not to cry. To see injustice,

famine, the virus of the blood, and yet stand

straight enough to speak

is difficult, but not impossible: forget your glasses.

Bring instead your weak

myopia, your astigmatic haze,

dulling the vistas of hopelessness until

there is only your nose and one pot of maize,

one school fee, one welcome song, one child

wailing in your arms. This way,

survive, and serve again.

There is only one way

to look at the crisis,

and not to cry.

But if you would cry, get up!

Walk out of that body, prostrated

and voiceless in its shame. Baptize

yourself in its tears and turn your back.

When you see the fires of impossible hope,

jump in! Blaze. Immolate fear in the coals

of your joy. This is the second way.

Then watch: these sparks,

they are heating a nation,

they are lighting the world.